Servings: 6
Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Serving: 115 kcal
Macros: Protein 4g / Carbs 18g / Fat 3g / Fiber 6g
A Bowl of Comfort That Loves You Back
If you are looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug without spending your hard-earned points, this Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup is your new best friend. It is the ultimate solution for those busy weeknights when you want something incredibly filling, nutrient-dense, and effortless to throw together. This isnโt just a โdiet soupโโitโs a vibrant, savory meal that helps you stay on track while actually enjoying what is in your bowl.
In the world of healthy recipes, cabbage is a total superstar. It provides a massive amount of volume for very few calories, making it perfect for Weight Watchers followers who want a โbulkโ meal to prevent late-night snacking. This recipe is designed to be a high-volume, low-point staple that you can keep in the fridge for a quick lunch or a pre-dinner appetizer to keep your portions in check.
We focus on clean eating dinner principles here, using fresh aromatics and a blend of Italian herbs to ensure the broth is rich and satisfying. Whether you are looking for easy meal prep ideas or a simple way to reset after a heavy weekend, this wholesome soup delivers every single time.
Look at the Recipe
- Vibrant and Hearty: A colorful medley of tender vegetables in a rich, herb-infused tomato broth.
- Flavor-Forward: Savory notes of garlic and Italian seasoning with a subtle smokiness from the paprika.
- WW Friendly: Naturally low in points and packed with โzero-pointโ vegetables to keep you full for hours.
Ingredients Needed
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Just enough to sautรฉ the aromatics and unlock their flavor.
- 1 small onion: Diced finely for a sweet, savory base.
- 2 garlic cloves: Freshly minced for the best aroma.
- 4 cups green cabbage: Chopped into bite-sized ribbons.
- 2 carrots: Sliced into rounds for a bit of natural sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks: Chopped for that classic soup crunch.
- 1 bell pepper: Diced (any color works great!).
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Do not drain; the juice adds wonderful acidity.
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Use low-sodium to keep it heart-healthy.
- Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, plus salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional Protein Add-Ins
- Shredded chicken: Great for a more substantial dinner.
- Lean turkey: Ground or sliced.
- White beans: A fantastic Mediterranean-style plant-based protein.
How to Make Our Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
- Sautรฉ the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 4โ5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Combine the vegetables: Stir in the chopped cabbage and bell pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices).
- Simmer to perfection: Add the broth and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20โ25 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are fork-tender.
- Final touches: If you are including a protein like shredded chicken or turkey, fold it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering to warm through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Storing: This soup is one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This is a meal prep dream. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave for 2โ3 minutes.
- Serving Pairings: Pair this with a small side salad with lemon vinaigrette or a single slice of toasted whole-grain bread for a complete, macro-friendly meal.
Tips & FAQs
Can I make this in a Slow Cooker? Absolutely! Simply add all the soup base ingredients to your crockpot and cook on Low for 6โ7 hours or High for 3โ4 hours. Add your cooked protein at the very end.
How can I add more flavor without adding points? Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. These โbrightenโ the broth significantly without changing the nutritional profile.
Is this soup spicy? As written, it is very mild. If you prefer a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautรฉ step.